About Arcadia Mill
The Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site in Milton represents the largest 19th-century water-powered industrial complex in northwest Florida. This site was the location of a multi-faceted operation that included a water-powered sawmill, a lumber mill with planning and lathing machines, grist mill, bucket and pail factory, shingle mill, cotton textile mill, and even an experimental silk cultivation operation. Initially, iron stone was quarried and shipped to Pensacola. The Arcadia Mill complex also included other structures that supported the textile operation such as living quarters for the over 40 enslaved women and their families, a kitchen, storehouse, blacksmith shop, and community well. A mule drawn railroad and a 16-mile-long log flume provided transportation for the industries. Although the complex only operated from 1817 to 1855, it played a pivotal role in the political and economic development of northwest Florida. Unfortunately, little in the historical record describes the site, its construction, or operation. No maps, drawings or photographs are known to exist. Furthermore, very little of the site complex is above ground, which makes it a unique archaeological destination. The Santa Rosa Historical Society and the University of West Florida conducted historic and archaeological investigations to document the archaeological remains of the mill complex and interpret the site. Archaeological excavations were undertaken in 1990 and 1991. Dozens of local citizens volunteered their services to the project and thousands of people visited the site while the archaeological field work was underway.
Information and Hours of Operation:
Arcadia Mill complex offers the visitor an historical experience as well as the opportunity to visit a unique wetland ecosystem. Arcadia Mill is located at 5709 Mill Pond Lane in Milton, Florida.
After a trip to the Visitor Center and Museum, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk on an elevated boardwalk through the archaeological remains of the mills, across Mill Pond Creek and through the swamps associated with this historic water-powered operation. Guided tours and school programs are available. The site, Visitor Center and Museum are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please contact Monica Beck, Site Manager, at 850.626.3084 or email Monica Beck.What Arcadia Mill has to Offer:
1. Authentic archaeological ruins
2. Easily accessible elevated boardwalk
3. Creekside and nature trails
4. Museum and Visitor Center with veranda and picnic areas
(Public restrooms and drink machines are available)
5. Replica water wheel and band saws
6. Guided and self-guided tours
7. School and Special Event Programs
8. Museum and boardwalk are handicap accessible
Precautions:
The staff of Arcadia Mill aims to provide guests with a pleasant and enjoyable visit to this unique site. For public safety, please adhere to the following quidelines:
1. Arcadia is home to a vast array of wildlife, so please do not damage or leave trash in their habitat.
2. Please be careful and watch out for snakes. Arcadia has both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.
3. It is best that all visitors stay on the boardwalk and designated trails. Please be mindful of the boardwalk's edge and railing; it is quite a fall over the edge! Boardwalk does become slippery when wet.
4. Please make sure to keep yourself hydrated to prevent yourself from becoming overheated.
5. If you need assistance, please visit the Visitor Center.
Arcadia Mill's Story
Joseph Forsyth, a Pensacola merchant and shipper, bought the property from Juan de la Rua in 1828 for $400.00 and began his work at Arcadia by quarrying sandstone for the Pensacola wharf. Soon thereafter he undertook construction of a dam and sawmill. When he ran short of money for his venture, he enlisted the financial help and mill experience of Ezekiel and Andrew Simpson. In 1830 the firm of Forsyth and Simpson was established and the sawmill on Pond Creek was soon completed. They built a water-powered, two-story sawmill and then constructed a lumber mill about 350 feet downstream. About 1830, Timothy Twitchell bought the northeast quarter of Arcadia from Forsyth for $121.00. He dammed up a small creek and excavated a flume to connect his new mill pond to Arcadia. He then built a sawmill and shingle mill and established the Arcadia Pail Factory in 1841.
A variety of products were manufactured at the Arcadia Mill complex including lumber, shingles, staves, buckets, meal and flour. In 1836, the Arcadia mills were shipping about 5,000 square feet of lumber a week, and as the industrial output from Arcadia increased, an improved means of transportation became necessary; thus, the Arcadia Railroad was born.
Between 1840 and 1845 the Arcadia Mills lay silent, as Forsyth and Simpson had since moved their mills to Bagdad to avoid transportation problems, however, they were unable to completely let go of their beloved water-powered complex at Arcadia. In 1845 the partners formed the Arcadia Manufacturing Company and began to build a cotton textile factory. They constructed a brick textile operated by 25-40 young female slaves who produced as much as 1,300 yards of cotton cloth a day. By 1853 the Arcadia mill was the largest textile factory in Florida, but despite its size it still made very little money. In 1855, after the death of Forsyth, the textile mill burned and the surviving partners turned their complete attention to the very profitable lumber mills at Bagdad. Arcadia Mill was abandoned.
The Arcadia industrial complex lay silent for 109 years. Then, Mr. Warren Weekes, a local historian, rediscovered the Arcadia mill site in 1964. Through the co-operative efforts of historians, archaeologists and interested citizens, this unique piece of Florida history has been preserved for the education and recreation of future generations. Arcadia can now be enjoyed for its natural beauty and historical significance.
